Don't worry, this route at the base of Tiger Mountain isn't actually swampy and won't get the pup too muddy. A short loop with signs telling a fantastical story are a good distraction for kids, and a network of other short, flat trails radiate from the trailhead, making it easy to do add-ons if everyone is up for more.

An action-packed trail leads past mossy river rocks, salmonberry bushes, an endless sea of ferns, and giant trees to a treasure trove of three waterfalls. Along the way, river access affords quick dips for curious canines while stairs and boardwalks take the edge off the steepest sections.

Somewhat of a PNW classic, Rattlesnake Ledge’s forest switchbacks lead to a quintessential view 2,000 feet above the trail’s eponymous lake. For fewer crowds and an extended adventure, travel past the traditional overlook for trails to East Peak, Snoqualmie Park, and additional ledges with sweeping views of North Bend’s mountains. 

Well past the crowds clamoring toward Mailbox Peak, a meandering riverside trail winds through the banks of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. No need to complete the whole stretch: turn around when you’ve relished in the quiet forest enough, or bring a backpacking setup to stay the night with nature’s sound machine in a permit-free riverside spot.

A meadow carpeted with wildflowers, Mount Rainier views, and a pristine alpine lake: the Ira Spring Memorial Trail to Mason Lake boasts the Washington trifecta. After tackling steep grades and zigzag switchbacks, accomplished dogs and humans alike can refresh tired muscles in a lake dip before heading back down through a few exposed, sunny sections. 

Once a pup—and their owner—gets in shape, this peak towering above the Snoqualmie Pass area makes for a good first big summit. There's a trail all the way to the top with only a few rocky steps to navigate, and the shore of Rachel Lake makes for a good cool-off spot on the way up or down. The area is particularly vibrant in fall, when the foliage turns rich shades of rust and orange.

The education-forward trail follows a wide path and wooden bridges over creeks, making for an ADA-accessible adventure. Interpretive signs along the journey lend railroad history visible in tunnels and avalanche safeguards from a bygone era of the Great Northern Railway. Seattle’s Wing Luke Museum periodically leads guided walks along the trail to educate on the Japanese American railroad workers and the Wellington Avalanche Disaster in the area. 

In stark contrast to the mossy scenery of Western Washington, the trails around Ancient Lakes feature towering basalt cliffs flowing with intermittent waterfalls, muted desert foliage, and orange-hued sunsets reflecting off dry coulee walls. Though it takes a few hours to reach this Central Washington spot, an abundance of trails in the area allows for custom loops based on any dog’s preferences and abilities; some trails are steeper and traverse more loose rock while others meander gently toward lake basins. Bonus: the region is accessible year-round.